Diamond buying guide
Diamond Buying Guide – The 4 Cs
Gem experts judge the quality and value of a diamond by using four criteria called the 4 Cs – Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight. Below, we’ll explain each of these quality factors, with recommendations that will help you choose the best diamond jewellery for you.
1. CUT
Cut is arguably the most important of the 4 Cs because the diamond’s sparkle depends on it. A diamond’s cut refers both to its shape, as well as the skill with which it has been carved into a gemstone.
Diamonds can be carved into many different shapes, ranging from round to geometric, and even fancy cuts like hearts. Read more about this topic in our article about diamond shapes. Looking Through the Jeweller’s Loupe On the other hand, the quality of a diamond’s cut, and how it plays with light, is graded as follows: EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR
Diamonds can be carved into many different shapes, ranging from round to geometric, and even fancy cuts like hearts. Read more about this topic in our article about diamond shapes. Looking Through the Jeweller’s Loupe On the other hand, the quality of a diamond’s cut, and how it plays with light, is graded as follows: EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR
2. COLOUR
All diamonds are graded by colour. This may sound confusing, as diamonds are transparent. However, a very poor-quality diamond will actually look noticeably yellowish, even to the naked eye.
Diamonds are judged on a colour scale from D to Z. This means that the best colour grade is D which is colourless, and the worst is Z which is very yellow.
Diamonds are judged on a colour scale from D to Z. This means that the best colour grade is D which is colourless, and the worst is Z which is very yellow.
3. CLARITY
Without clarity, a diamond will look dull and lifeless. What is clarity? Inside most diamonds, there are small mineral flecks or tiny fractures. These naturally occurring marks are called inclusions.
The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the better its clarity – and the more expensive the diamond. Diamond clarity is measured in units from IF (Flawless) which is the clearest, to I3 (Included) which is the least clear.
The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the better its clarity – and the more expensive the diamond. Diamond clarity is measured in units from IF (Flawless) which is the clearest, to I3 (Included) which is the least clear.
4. CARATS
A diamond’s weight is measured in carats. The more carats there are, the bigger the diamond. There are 100 points in each carat. This means, for example, that if a diamond weighs 100 points, it will be 1 carat in size, and this would be indicated as 1.00CT when you’re shopping for jewellery. On the other hand, if a diamond weighs 50 points, then it will be half a carat in size. This would be written as 0.50CT.
A diamond’s size is not necessarily an indicator of quality. For instance, a small diamond with good clarity, cut and colour than a large diamond with poor clarity, cut and colour. Therefore, it’s best to not focus too much on carats, until you have decided on the other 4 Cs.
A diamond’s size is not necessarily an indicator of quality. For instance, a small diamond with good clarity, cut and colour than a large diamond with poor clarity, cut and colour. Therefore, it’s best to not focus too much on carats, until you have decided on the other 4 Cs.